KUALA LUMPUR – The Petra Evangelical & Deliverance Church has strongly denied allegations of sexual misconduct involving their pastor and a 13-year-old boy, deeming the claims false.
In a Facebook post yesterday, the church stated that Moses Melchizedek was coerced by several individuals at the church on August 12 into confessing to what it described as “false accusations.”
While the post did not identify these individuals, it was confirmed that Moses was arrested by the police the following day and subsequently remanded for four days.
“He has been remanded for four days based on statements given by the opposite entities on August 12 at around 10pm, upon threatening Pastor Moses at his church premise.
“We demand justice against these false allegations, false accusers, fake reports, and haters,” the statement read.
Earlier today, pastor Moses appeared at the Shah Alam sessions court, where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of physically sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy in June.
The charges were filed under Sections 14(a) and 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison and whipping if convicted.
Sessions court judge Rasyihah Ghazali granted Moses bail set at RM15,000 for both charges, with conditions that include reporting to the nearest police station every month and refraining from contacting the victim or witnesses.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 19. – August 16, 2024